Djimon Hounsou on Fighting 'Systemic Racism' and Reconnecting Black People with Their African Heritage
Raised in the vibrant West African nation of Benin, Djimon Hounsou, twice an Oscar nominee, embarked on a journey to the United States in 1990, chasing his dreams of acting. However, upon arrival, he felt an undeniable ache.
"There was a profound emptiness within me, born from the ignorance of our origins—our history, our ancestral roots, and culture," Hounsou shared with CNN. "I experienced a deep disconnect from African Americans," he continued.
His pivotal role in Steven Spielberg’s 1997 film "Amistad," which delved into the harrowing tale of the slave trade, unveiled a stark reality and illuminated the plight of the Black diaspora in a novel way for him.
"Researching for the film made me acutely aware of the disconnection faced by Afro-descendants from their heritage and culture," Hounsou elaborated. As his career unfolded, his insights into the enduring impact of slavery grew, influenced by the systemic racism he encountered in his three-decade-long industry journey.
"I pursued a dream here, only to discover the pervasive presence of systemic racism in every facet of life." Despite starring in major films like "Gladiator," "Shazam," and "A Quiet Place," and earning Oscar nods for "In America" in 2004 and "Blood Diamond" in 2007, Hounsou has faced challenges akin to those of other Black actors, including typecasting and inequitable pay.
"The concept of diversity still has a considerable journey ahead," Hounsou remarked. "Even with two Oscar nominations, financial struggles persist. It’s a testament to how deeply entrenched systemic racism is across various spheres."
These stark realities propelled Hounsou toward his philanthropic endeavors. In 2019, he founded the Djimon Hounsou Foundation, aimed at uniting the Black diaspora and combating contemporary slavery. Central to Hounsou’s mission is reconnecting Black individuals to their African heritage.
This mission takes shape through Africa Reconnect, a series of cultural and musical events held in Richmond, Virginia. Last September, CNN attended Hounsou's third annual Run Richmond 16-19 event in a city once central to the transatlantic slave trade in the Upper South of the US.
The weekend commenced with "A Time to Heal" in Shockoe Bottom, once America’s second-largest slave market. The evening opened with a ceremony honoring ancestors, drawing from the traditions of West Africa’s Yoruba people, featuring meditative practices such as guided meditation, breathwork, and shamanic drumming. "I envision this as a cathartic moment for our community to release grief and begin healing and reconciliation," said Hounsou.
Acknowledging that the event's location might reopen old wounds, "But by confronting these injuries and recognizing the past, a path to healing emerges," stated the 60-year-old actor. "My goal is to heal the intergenerational trauma of our Black community."
On September 21, around 2,000 individuals gathered at Kanawha Plaza in downtown Richmond to embark on a 16.19 or 6.19-kilometer cultural run or walk, traversing four centuries of Black history. The distances pay homage to the year 1619 when enslaved Africans first arrived on Virginia's shores.
When questioned about the choice of a physical activity, Hounsou explained, "Few activities unite people of all races like sports and music." Along the route, participants interacted with a mobile app, crafted with the 400 Years of African American History Commission, narrated by Hounsou, offering educational insights about the sites encountered along the way.
Hounsou plans to extend the event to Liverpool and Ouidah, Benin, in the coming years, symbolizing the triangular path of the Transatlantic slave trade. "We aim to transform that triangle into a beacon of hope," Hounsou declared. "I’m advocating for a global space where we can honor our ancestors."
The Djimon Hounsou Foundation also sponsors thoughtfully curated 14-day trips to Africa, highlighting multiple countries to enrich individuals’ appreciation of their heritage and identity. "I arrived in California with a strong desire to advocate for my continent and people, fostering reconciliation and reconnection with our motherland," Hounsou expressed.
"My hope is to have redefined the narrative surrounding our people and our continent.
